COVID19-We must be RESPONSIBLE as residents of UAE

COVID19 Pandemic
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United Arab Emirates has done a tremendous effort in containing the COVID-19 infection, and has been very successful with less than 0.05% mortality rate. The COVID-19 surveillance tests have already exceeded a mammoth 5 million in August, which is amongst the highest per capita in the world, this is added to 90% recovery rate which is the highest for any GCC country and well above the international figure of 57%. We must be RESPONSIBLE as residents of UAE in effort to contain the pandemic.

However, there is a slight surge in cases over past week which represents the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, a trend consistent with other parts of the world. This increase reflects the opening up of businesses, but in majority, the foremost cause is the uncaring and irresponsible behavior of people, who fail to conform to safety measures, recommended by the government and health agencies.

The current situation has raised questions on upcoming opening of schools, while the government has worked and devised a number of options, for students with distance learning as the major initiative, but eventually there will be students attending the schools as well. Recently, COVID-19 has followed a volatile pattern, perplexing epidemiologists and health authorities, which calls for a greater responsibility on individuals to protect themselves as well as their families.  

Despite of the best efforts put in by the government we all have a vital role, in not only protecting ourselves and our families but also the community as well.

Personal Responsibility

While the pharmaceutical companies around the world, are battling in development of vaccine for COVID-19 cure, but at this point of time preemptive measures are the only way to save ourselves. Simple safety measure can have huge impact.

Keep the MASK on

MASK is the foremost precaution, against the spread of virus through droplet or by aerosol, suggested by all the virologists, as well as health agencies around the world.

Keep the physical distance

The time of strict mandatory lock downs has ended and business are opening up, but it does not necessarily means revival of normal life. There are strict preventive measure to be undertaken in the offices, under guidance of the government directions, which have to be followed.

We have to be very selective in going to malls and public places. The government health department advises minimum physical interaction and avoidance of unnecessary leisure activities.

Keep clean

Keeping clean is one of the major protection in any case. But in current circumstances it is mandatory to wash your hands frequently. Alternatively, hand sanitizers are best, when at hand.

Use simple disinfectants for cleaning shared spaces.

Keep you immunity level at best

Your diet is one of the most important factors in keeping your immunity levels high, to combat against the infections. Use citrus fruits like lemon, oranges, lime and grape fruits which are loaded with Vitamin-C.

Be cautious

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Tiredness

There might be:

  • Aches and pains
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Headache
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • A rash on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes

In case of these symptoms consult the doctor and isolate immediately. The UAE government has specially developed an online facility for consultation

MOHAP VIRTUAL DOCTOR

Don’t Panic

There are lot of conspiracy theories, as well as people spreading false information, for their own personal benefits. Be very careful, access any information and check before discussing with your peers or family. Only rely on trusted government sources for true information

Ministry of Health and Prevention

Dubai Health Authority

Department of Health

Emirates News Agency

Recent initiatives by Government of United Arab Emirates

DUBAI, 27th August, 2020 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, issued directives for the implementation of a work from home policy in Dubai government entities for female employees with children undertaking distance learning. The Crown Prince of Dubai also issued directives to take into consideration fathers working in the Government of Dubai who do not have caregivers to oversee their children’s distance learning. They will also be allowed to work from home, enabling them to supervise their children during the school day. Courtesy: WAM

ABU DHABI, 27th August, 2020 (WAM) — The Ministry of Education and National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) have announced that nurseries and childcare centres can reopen in accordance with special requirements and all precautionary and preventive measures. Approval for the opening of nurseries and childcare centres will depend on their readiness to meet all health and safety requirements and procedures. Courtesy: WAM

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

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